Buying a car this weekend? Why you could face a £1000 fine for driving it

Buying a car this weekend? Why you could face a £1000 fine for driving it

Matt Allan

Published:8:05 amAugust 15, 2018

The DVLA has warned motorists that they won’t be able to tax their cars this weekend – leaving them vulnerable to a potential £1,000 fine.

From Friday the licensing body’s computer systems are being shut down for “essential maintenance” which means car owners won’t be able to tax their vehicles online, over the phone or in person at their local Post Office.

The fine for driving without valid tax is usually an £80 on-the-spot charge but can increase to £1,000 if the case goes to court.

Illegal

Despite the potential headache for car buyers, the DVLA isn’t cutting anyone any slack. In its announcement it warns: “Remember, it’s against the law to drive an untaxed vehicle on the road. If you buy a car during this weekend you won’t be able to tax it until 6am on Monday 20 August.”

The system shutdown will run from 3pm on Friday August 17 to 6am on Monday August 20 and will affect most of the DVLA’s services, including its contact centre.

The ability to view and share your driving licence details with third parties including car hire companies shouldn’t be affected, although the announcement does rather ominously warn: “To avoid any disappointment it’s best to generate a check code now.”